Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]
AWARD-WINNING Zimbabwean singer, songwriter and mbira artiste Mary Anibal has hailed her selection to perform at the 2026 Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES), describing it as a major milestone in her growing international career.
Anibal is among the first group of artistes selected for the ninth edition of ACCES, which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 28 to 30.
She will share the showcase stage with fellow Zimbabwean artistes Sylent “Guitar Sangoma” Nqo and The Noisemakers.
For Anibal, the opportunity carries added significance as it will mark her first performance in South Africa with her full band.
“I am absolutely excited and honoured to be representing Zimbabwe on a global stage at ACCES 2026 in Johannesburg. While this is not my first time representing the country internationally, this one feels particularly special because it will be my first time performing in South Africa with my full band. It’s a significant milestone for me, and it reinforces that hard work and consistency will put you on the right stages at the right time,” she said.
The ACCES selection comes as Anibal continues to cement her place as one of Zimbabwe’s most distinctive contemporary musical voices, using the mbira as the foundation for a sound that fuses traditional rhythms with modern Afro-fusion influences.
Her music is deeply rooted in Zimbabwean culture and heritage while also addressing social issues, particularly women’s rights and empowerment.
Through her work, she has shown how traditional African instruments and indigenous storytelling can remain relevant and impactful in contemporary music.
Her contribution to Zimbabwean traditional music was recognised in 2023 when she won the Zimbabwe Music Award for Best Traditional (Chinyakare/Chimurenga).
In 2021, she also claimed top honours in the Music Against Child Labour Grassroots Category, an accolade presented by the International Labour Organisation.
Anibal has built an impressive international profile over the years, performing at Expo 2020 Dubai in 2022 before appearing at Ethno Mozambique and Toronto’s Habari Africa Festival in 2023.
In 2024, she graced the stage at Zanzibar’s prestigious Sauti za Busara Festival and the Masa Festival in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Her 2025 international engagements included Festival Abidjan Capitale du Jazz in Côte d’Ivoire, the African Bazaar Tour in Germany, a United Kingdom tour and a tour of Bordeaux, France.
The international exposure has strengthened her standing as a cultural ambassador, enabling her to showcase Zimbabwean musical traditions to global audiences while maintaining a fresh and contemporary sound.
Her recorded catalogue has expanded alongside her live performances.
In 2024, she released her debut album, Maria Wenyu, a project that highlighted her songwriting prowess and mbira artistry while blending traditional influences with modern musical arrangements.
She followed it up with Bhonzo in April 2025, an upbeat track centred on determination, perseverance and the resilience of Zimbabweans.
Beyond performing and recording, Anibal has also invested in music education and talent development.
She taught professionally at the Zimbabwe Theatre Academy in 2021 and has been teaching at her alma mater, Music Crossroads Zimbabwe, since 2022.
She also works as a vocal coach at Eaglesvale Senior School and Hartmann House Preparatory School, where she helps nurture young musicians and promote appreciation of Zimbabwe’s traditional musical heritage.
Meanwhile, festival organisers have indicated that this year’s edition is expected to attract more than 700 delegates from over 45 countries. The programme will feature a two-day conference, a four-day showcase festival, industry nights, exhibitions, workshops and masterclasses.
Apart from the Zimbabwean artistes set to showcase at the event, the line-up also includes South African acts Sun-El Musician, Pilani Bubu, Abavuki, Francis Soal, Rorisang Sechele, The SN Project, The Joy and Giuliette Price.
Other confirmed performers include Tanzania’s Ben Pol, Ghanaian artistes Akra and FimFim, as well as Chakires et le groupe Oulanga from Réunion and Comoros.
In addition to the performances, the conference will feature speakers from various sectors of the music industry, including South African producer, songwriter and DJ Sun-El Musician, Robert Singerman of LyricFind, Nelo Mathenjwa of Paradise Worldwide and Katherine McVicker of Music Works International.
John Fishlock of Active Music Publishing and Lerato Matsoso, general manager of Capasso, are also among the announced speakers.
For participating artistes, the event presents valuable opportunities to engage with professionals in publishing, music rights, artist development, distribution and international music business.
Since its establishment in 2017, ACCES has grown into one of Africa’s leading music industry platforms, bringing together musicians, producers, publishers, record labels, rights organisations and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and discover emerging talent.
—@MbuleloMpofu
